IRVINE, Calif. - This week we went 1-on-1 with sophomore Derek Delgado. Delgado is a member of the Concordia University Irvine baseball team and plays infield for the Eagles. As a freshman, Delgado started in 23 games and ended the season with a .290 batting average and a .386 on-base percentage. He is also currently pursing a bachelor's degree in kinesiology at Concordia. 

Sports Information: What city are you from and how has it shaped you as a person?

Derek Delgado: I grew up in La Mirada, California. The city of La Mirada has given me so many friends and with those friends gave me great memories. The people I've grown up around has really molded me into the man i am. 

Sports Information: If you could choose only one aspect of your game to improve on the field what would it be?

Derek: I would improve my power. Being a baseball player, everyone wants to hit home runs. But at the same time we have to understand our strengths and do what we can to help the team win. For me hitting home runs is not necessarily my strength on the field. 

Sports Information: How has CUI helped you develop as a player and/or student?

Derek: CUI has developed me tremendously. The coaches and staff here have done nothing but improve my game both physically and mentally.  Everyone here wants the best for their students and student-athletes and it really makes it easy to be comfortable. 

Sports Information: If you could give an incoming freshman a piece of advice what would it be and why?

Derek: My advice to an incoming freshman would be to take it all in. I'm still getting advice from older guys on the baseball team and they all say the same things, "just take it all in, get involved, and have fun because before you know it it'll be over." 

Sports Information: What is your jersey number, and why did you choose that number?

Derek: I wear number two on my jersey. I chose number two because of my tie to that number. I was named after Derek Jeter, one of the best baseball players to play the game. He wore number two his entire career and I'm planning on doing the same. 

Sports Information: Who is the biggest influence in your life?

Derek: There are so many people in my life that influence me that it's hard to just pick one. Both of my parents and my entire family give me the drive and will to be the best I can be. My teammates and coaches also influence me to continue to work hard and be the best teammate day in and day out.